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Fun Outdoor Beach Activities for Kids and Adults

Nov 9 23
by Julia Sayers Gokhale
beach activities

Lots of Beach Activities Choices A trip to the Gulf Coast is the perfect vacation for families who love fun outdoor beach activities for kids and adults. But not everyone is content to lie on the beach or romp in the Gulf all day – especially if traveling with kids. For families who want to […]

Beach Essentials You Need For The Perfect Day

Nov 8 23
by Julia Sayers Gokhale
beach essentials list

What do you need for a perfect day at the beach? Well, outside of sun, sand, and ocean waves, there are a few essential items you should take along with you. You know you need towels, sunscreen, a beach chair, and a good book, but we’re here to suggest some fun upgrades of those items […]

Unleash the Fun! Dog-Friendly Beaches and Vacation Rentals Await You and Your Pup!

Sep 22 23
by Alison Large Ketcham
Dog in sunglasses sitting on a beach chair at a dog-friendly beach

He or she may be your family’s best friend, but when it comes to including Fifi or Fido on your next beach excursion, knowing where your pooch will be welcome can take extra planning. There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in Florida and Alabama, including the ones highlighted below. We’ve also featured several pet-friendly vacation […]

Top Things To Do in Panama City Beach

Aug 29 23
by Lisa Milberger Moore
Beach and dunes at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach

Pull out your swimsuit and practice your pirate talk! It’s time to start planning your next big adventure in Panama City Beach, Florida. Nestled along 27 pristine miles of white-sand beaches, Panama City Beach is a favorite go-to for vacationers who want to have it all. Soak up the sun, soar over the ocean, search […]

Pensacola Seafood Festival Lining Up to be a Great Time!

Aug 15 23
by Alison Large Ketcham

Scrumptious food, fantastic live music, arts and crafts galore and much much more are on the menu at this year’s Pensacola Seafood Festival in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Schedule Friday, September 29 | 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, September 30 | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, October 1 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. […]

Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Destin

Aug 6 23
by Alison Large Ketcham
View of Destin Harbor from Harborwalk Village

If you’re looking for the top fun things to do in Destin, you landed in the right place. Vacationers travel from across the globe to enjoy all that Destin has to offer, including world-class fishing, golfing, seafood, shopping, watersports, theme parks, and more. This picturesque town on the Florida panhandle between Fort Walton and Scenic […]

Destin Fishing Rodeo Rounds Up & Celebrates Seafood Every October!

Jul 29 23
by S. Lynne
Children and Miss Destin standing on the dock with a giant tuna at the Destin Fishing Rodeo

The Ultimate Fishing Tournament From October 1st to the 31st, the 76th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place, featuring a month-long celebration of fishing with various competitions and events for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. Described as “the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the Destin Fishing Rodeo features more than $100,000 […]

Emerald Coast Poker Run: Playing Cards for a Cause

Jul 19 23
by S. Lynne

Annual Event Making a Difference for a Quarter Century You don’t have to own a boat to have plenty of fun during the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Participants and party-goers alike are sure to have a blast at the annual boating and fundraising event, presented by the Emerald Coast Foundation as part of Boat Week. […]

Birds of the Gulf Coast

May 4 23
by Alison Large Ketcham
Heron flying over the beach

Discover the hidden gem of birdwatching along the Gulf Coast — where turquoise waters and diverse wildlife provide the ideal setting for your next outdoor excursion! Learn more about some of the Gulf Coast birds you’ll see on your next vacation. The Gulf Coast’s emerald-blue surf, sparkling beaches, sunny skies, balmy temperatures, gentle ocean breezes, […]

Elevate Your Beach Trip

Mar 10 23
by Darcie Plowden
aerial of a charter yacht at Crab Island

Infuse your beach trip with luxury indulgences for incredible memories, less hassle and more time spent with family and friends. We can all agree a vacation to the Gulf Coast is a luxury in and of itself with time spent relaxing with family and friends surrounded by dazzling white sand and sparkling emerald waters. Vacations […]

Make Plans to Attend the Sandestin Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival

Feb 2 23
by Alison Large Ketcham

Since 1989, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival, in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, has welcomed a fun-loving crowd back year after year. And this year’s festival—set for February 24th and 25th will be no exception. Join in the fun Friday, February 24th at Hammerhead Bar & Grille’s Kick-Off Party. Live music begins at 4 p.m., with […]

Find the Best Beer at the Beach at these Gulf Coast Breweries

Oct 31 22
by Will Estell

If you’re a fan of great craft beer and beautiful beaches you’re definitely in luck when deciding to hit this strip of white sand and emerald waters, looking for either.  In addition to the remarkable views, hot summer nights, and great food and fun, this immensely popular destination is also home to an array of Gulf […]

Best Beach Bars on the Gulf Coast

Sep 24 22
by Julia Sayers Gokhale

Grab a cocktail or cold beer at one of these iconic and trendy beach bars on the Gulf Coast. Sun, sand, and a cocktail in hand…there’s a reason this phrase is on every beach tote and koozie. Nothing goes better together than the beach and a tropical cocktail. So, it only makes sense that the […]

Enjoy the Beach With a Bang!

Jul 13 22
by Will Estell
Okaloosa Island Fireworks

Free Fireworks Every Wednesday Night on Okaloosa Island If you like the sight and sounds of fireworks over the water, you’ll definitely enjoy the weekly summer spectacle put on at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. This dazzling display takes place every single Wednesday night along the beautiful beaches of Okaloosa Island, and is a great […]

Fast Boats, Food & Fun Await at Billy Bowlegs Poker Run

May 16 22
by Will Estell

If you’re anywhere near Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or the beaches of 30A this Saturday, May 21st it’s a great time to check out some fast boats and fun, during the annual Billy Bowlegs Poker Run. Legendary Marine hosts this speedboat spectacular each year, bringing in both locals, and boaters from around the country. This […]

Lionfish & Libations: HarborWalk Village Brings Another First to Destin

May 9 22
by Will Estell
Destin Lionfish

If you’re a fan of fish, beer and fun, along a beautiful coastal backdrop, you’ll love being a part of Destin’s first annual Lionfish & Libations Festival. This one-of-a-kind new festival for 2022 takes place Saturday May 14th from 12:00 – 4:00 at Destin’s HarborWalk Village, situated outside Emerald Grande Resort, right in the heart […]

Fishing is King in Destin!

Apr 16 22
by Charlie Peay
Destin fishing boat going out through the East Pass to the Gulf of Mexico

Destin is not known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for nothing! The fishing action in Destin can be hot and heavy inshore, offshore, and from beach piers and jetties. All of you do-it-yourselfers will be happy to know that you don’t need a boat to enjoy an excellent day of fishing in Destin. Many […]

Things To Do in Gulf Shores

Dec 18 21
by Amber Garrett

With more than 32 miles of sugar-white beaches and rolling sand dunes, it’s no wonder Gulf Shores is one of the South’s best vacation spots. The main attraction is the beach, but many more family-friendly options await. Spend the day at Gulf State Park, where you can visit the second largest pier on the Gulf […]

Plan-Ahead Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

Jun 10 21
by Alison Large Ketcham
Black-and-white French bulldog sitting on a white-sand beach

Your dog is excited to see you each and every day. His or her enthusiasm lifts you when you’re down. Your dog is your best friend. And now you want to thank your pet for such love and loyalty with a BFF beach vacation. But what are the realities of taking your dog to the […]

Subtropical Climate Makes a Getaway to Panama City Beach a Year-Round Event

Jun 9 21
by Chris Chatelain
Panama City Beach, Florida

While Northwest Florida might be best known for the most beautiful sugar-white sand in the world, it is the fantastic weather of places like Panama City Beach that make it a wonderland spot to visit just about any time of year. As part of the “Sunshine State,” there are plenty of the golden rays to […]

Gulf Coast 4th of July Fireworks Schedules

Jun 8 21
by S. Lynne
July 4th Fireworks over the Gulf

All along the Gulf Coast, resorts and communities are gearing up to celebrate July 4th fireworks celebrations with food, music, and more. And since the fun starts on Friday, July 2, and continues through the weekend, we’ve compiled a list so you won’t miss a thing. (Unless otherwise stated, admission to all events is free.) […]

Discover Endless Fun at Destin Harbor

Jun 6 21
by S. Lynne
Aerial view of Destin Harbor, East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico

It’s home to the biggest, best-equipped fishing fleet in Florida and is the heart of Destin,  “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” And, with completion of the new boardwalk and the revitalization of HarborWalk Village, Destin Harbor is one of the hottest destinations on the Gulf Coast. Destin Harbor Boardwalk Restaurants At HarborWalk Village and all […]

Summer Events at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Add Sizzle to Your Summer

May 12 21
by Lisa Milberger Moore
summer events sandestin golf and beach resort

Florida sunshine isn’t the only thing to brighten up your stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort this summer. The vacation hot spot features fun events all season along its gorgeous emerald coastline and Village of Baytowne Wharf – Sandestin Resort’s go-to for shopping, dining, art galleries, and play. Looking for a new cover-up? Have […]

It’s LuLuPalooza Time

May 7 21
by S. Lynne
Lulupalooza

Good food, good music, and lots of hand-clapping, head-bobbing, toe-tapping fun. That’s what to expect when the annual LuLuPalooza kicks off on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at LuLu’s Gulf Shores restaurant and marina. Under the guidance of LuLu’s owner Lucy Buffett – yes, she’s Jimmy’s sister – this popular music event regularly brings in some […]

Giddy for Graffiti

Apr 8 21
by Lisa Milberger Moore
digitally projected woman's face at Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach

One of the  most popular events on 30A is right around the corner, Digital Graffiti Festival: A Drive-Thru Experience at Alys Beach. Alys Beach gives artists from all over the world the opportunity to display their original work while competing for prize money in a juried art competition. This one-of-a-kind visual and immersive event features […]

Billy Bowlegs Festival Pirates Invade Fort Walton Beach

Mar 30 21
by S. Lynne
Billy Bowlegs Festival Pirate handing out beads to the crowd

Visitors and residents – beware! Fort Walton Beach is bracing for trouble when that infamous pirate, Captain Billy Bowlegs, and his band of merry men stage the invasion of the 65th annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade this spring. But the resulting skirmishes should be fun, not mayhem, when Billy and his Krewe […]

Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Sea Breezes and Smooth Jazz in PCB

Mar 24 21
by S. Lynne
Saxophonist and violinist on stage at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach

Saxophonist Boney James is among the headliners for the 2021 Seabreeze Jazz Festival.   The white sands and emerald waters of  Panama City Beach are the backdrop for the 22nd annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival. The five-day festival, scheduled for April 21-25, 2021, at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, has been named one of the Top 10 […]

Biking Along the Gulf Coast Places Cyclists in a Winter Wonderland

Feb 16 21
by S. Lynne
Couple enjoying a winter bike ride on Hwy 30a beaches in Florida.

Winter’s a great time for biking along the Gulf Coast in Northwest Florida and Alabama. The beach is still beautiful, the crowds have gone home, and the temperatures and rental rates have dropped. Best of all, the area offers plenty of paved bike paths that are safe as well as scenic. In fact, all of […]

The Best Gumbo in Gulf Shores

Nov 10 20
by Lisa Milberger Moore
Bowl of Gumbo in Gulf Shores

With easy-peasy temperatures of the season inviting you out both day and night, taste buds are waking up to the spicier side of life. As you cruise the seashores of beautiful Gulf Shores, a piping hot bowl of gumbo is likely to hit the spot, especially with plenty of proven recipes in town. The tricky […]

Work Remotely from the Beach with These Vacation Rentals

Oct 28 20
by Julia Sayers Gokhale
working remotely at the beach

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, play, vacation, and, more than anything, how we work. As more and more people began working remotely, they–and their companies–realized that many jobs can be performed from anywhere. So why not work remotely from the beach?  As vacation rental companies had to adapt to a new […]